The Life and Letters of the Rev. George Mortimer, M.A.: Rector of Thornhill, in the Diocese of Toronto, Canada WestArmstrong, John
Religion
The Life and Letters of the Rev. George Mortimer, M.A.: Rector of Thornhill, in the Diocese of Toronto, Canada West
Armstrong, John
Mortimer, George, 1784-1844
You have heard, perhaps, of the Honourable Mr. Ryder having been made
Dean of Wells, and of his most decided and open exhibition of piety in
his exalted situation. About a month ago he was made Bishop of
Gloucester, an event which has filled the hearts of the pious in our
Establishment with inexpressible gratitude. It may, indeed, be said by
us on such an occasion, “The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof
we are glad,” and to his name would we ascribe the praise. A lady of my
acquaintance happened, at the time when his appointment was known, to be
dining in a party at which Mr. Wilberforce was present, and she states,
that two or three times he could not help saying in the most animated
manner, “I am afraid, I am too glad at it, but it is such a great thing.”
I remain,
Your ever affectionate Friend,
GEO. MORTIMER.
* * * * *
Mr. Mortimer’s post at Madeley was, upon his entrance on the duties of
it, one beset with great difficulties; but by the blessing of God upon
his Christian spirit and conduct he overcame them all. This will be seen
from the following extracts of three letters, the first and third
directed to his sister, and the second to his friend abroad.
After alluding to the difficulties referred to, he says, August, 1815:—
“I feel a power to stand still and see the salvation of God; my chief
attention is directed, not to outward circumstances, but to my own
spirit. I am desirous of cultivating kindness and affection, and am
convinced that so long as nothing is cherished by me contrary to
love, all will eventually be well. We have had a most gratifying
visit from Mr. and Mrs. Butterworth, and feel truly thankful for the
kind providence which brought them among us. What a stimulus to
increased activity for God and our fellow-creatures does the
animating example of such a character as Mr. B. afford. Such
sobriety of mind, such solidity of judgment, such earnestness of
endeavour: I could not help applying to him the words of my favourite
Herbert,
‘Let thy mind still be bent, still plotting where,
And when, and how, the business may be done.’
“Mrs. Fletcher still continues to speak once a week to her people and
also to meet her class; her breathing is much affected, and she
continues to break very fast. She spoke on the Monday evening, while
Mr. and Mrs. B. were here, for the last time on the weekdays. The
assemblage was highly gratifying. After we came home, we reckoned
upwards of fifty who had come from Wellington to hear her. Such
honour has this distinguished saint of God.”
Madeley, near Shiffnal, Salop. Sept. 1st, 1815.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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